CNC Machine Operator

You run CNC lathes and milling centres, mostly Fanuc and Siemens controls, on batch runs of steel and aluminium parts for the automotive and machine-building trade. The shift starts with checking the program, loading the tools, setting the zero point and dialling in the offsets. Through the shift you load blanks, watch the first piece off each setup, and check dimensions with calliper, micrometer and the occasional bore gauge. When a tool wears you swap the insert and correct the offset yourself instead of waiting for someone. You keep the chip conveyor and coolant clean and fill in the count sheet at the end. Work runs on two shifts, six in the morning to two and two to ten, with the odd Saturday when a deadline is tight.

At least two years on CNC turning or milling, not just button pushing

Reading mechanical drawings and ISO tolerances on your own

Confident with calliper and micrometer, can hold tenths

Know your way around Fanuc or Siemens controls and simple offset edits

Functional English (B1) to follow the program notes and the foreman

Willing to work two shifts and the rare Saturday

Help with relocation and the paperwork for foreign workers

Shared accommodation sorted for the first months, low rent

Free shuttle from the town centre to the plant

Hot meal subsidised in the canteen each shift

Paid probation and overtime at the legal rate

Start at 1020 net while you learn the machines and the part families. Once you set up jobs alone and hold quality on your own shift, the rate moves up toward 1170 net, usually inside the first year. Good setters here get first pick of the harder, better paid work and a path to shift lead.

The hall is heated, well lit and kept tidy, with proper extraction over the machines. It gets loud near the lathes, so ear protection, safety glasses and steel toes are worn on the floor. Crews are small, eight to ten people a shift, and people tend to stay.